Nigeria is one of the most complex countries of the world when it comes to the management of politics. Throughout Africa, politicians look forward to when election would be conducted to test their strength, popularity and flex muscles. Nigeria’s politics is essentially driven by intrigues and other critical factors that shape or hurt it’s democracy. Every single politician wants to be known, heard and given special relevance. Nothing can take away the fact that almost all politicians in Nigeria have a permanent interest to win elections at all cost and many atimes, to the detriment of political stability and development. They show dangerous desperation so much so that if they fail, hell would be let loose. They have thrown the spirit of sportsmanship in the air and forgot that accepting defeat is a leeway to building a better nation where the citizens can leverage on any available opportunity to make their dreams come true. By and large, the politics of 2015 has come and gone. It has given a projection of what may probably unfold in 2019. The major development that shook and caused changes in the political landscape was the overwhelming victory of the All Progressives congress (APC) over the then ruling party i.e the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was a major breakthrough for the APC due to some errors committed by PDP which were not unconnected with imposition of candidates, party crisis and at some levels, abuse of power and the related. The hunger for change was a massive explosion across the Nigerian Federation and for the first time in the history of our politics, a sitting president Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was conquered politically by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. Same happened in most states thereby giving APC an edge. Commendably, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan accepted defeat and handed over power to the now ruling APC and that changed the story of Nigeria’s politics. For now, subtle preparations are ongoing for 2019 although governance is in progress. As usual, strategists and lobbyists are working behind the scene to make things right and clear some dust. In Plateau state, the cream of defection by key politicians like Sen. Dariye, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Amb. Longjan, Chief Vwarji, Hon. Letep Dabang, Arch. Pam Dung Gyang and others has given the impression that underground work is going on to position parties for better results in 2019. They were formally received by APC national chairman Chief John Odigie Oyegun at a rally at Rwang Pam Stadium Jos 3 weeks ago. In the same token, PDP isn’t left out of the preparation. The reconciliation of aggrieved party members held in Jos and attended by Sen. Jonah Jang, Sen. Mantu, Amb. Fidelis Tapgun and other bigwigs was a clear sign that peace had returned to the once troubled and divided party. As preparations are ongoing, one could see the support and counter support of youths for their respective parties on the social media. What gives me cause to worry is the fact that these youths blow their criticisms out of any context that would foster unity, peace and development. Nigeria’s political wounds are deep and they may take time to heal because we are yet to get it right as a people. We have allowed hatred and propaganda to take the place of love, understanding and peace. This is unfortunate. 2019 means alot to Nigeria. It should ultimately serve as a litmus test for future elections. Beyond that, politicians must learn to tolerate and clothe themselves with the spirit of sportsmanship as a prelude to strengthening our nascent democracy. The calculation for 2019 maybe dicey. PDP is not leaving any stone unturned to reclaim its lost mandate. APC on the other hand is consolidating all existing structures to be in power beyond 2019. In this light, Nigerians will decide what happens. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Written by DAPAR SATMAK ALEXANDER
[email protected]

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WHAT 2019 MEANS TO NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY